The purpose of this research project is to provide Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to the students, faculty, staff and coaches at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. College students are at higher risk for mental illness, substance use and suicide. There are campus resources available but how do we reach those who do not seek help for various reasons or do not realize that they need help? Mental Health First Aid was developed in Australia in 2001 and introduced in the United States in 2008. It is based on evidence and expert consensus. By providing mental health first aid to the college population, we increase awareness of mental disorders, educate the college population on how to help those with mental illness and reduce to stigma of mental illness.
Methods:
The project will consist of providing the 8-hour Mental Health First Aid course at no cost to participants (students, faculty and staff) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania for free. Researchers are nursing faculty members, nurses/nurse practitioners and certified MHFA instructors. E-mails and ads in the Campus newspaper will advertise the free 8-hour course. Interested participants will register electronically for the course. After registration, they will be emailed information regarding the course and also an invitation to participate in a research project which will consist of a MHFA pre-survey and post-surveys to assess knowledge, use and MHFA skills. Participants will complete additional surveys at 2 months and 6 months post MHFA course to describe if they have used MHFA training principles.
Objectives:
- To increase the knowledge of participants on mental illness by providing MHFA training.
- To prepare participants to assist a person with a mental illness if needed.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MHFA training using pre and post surveys (knowledge) for tools.
Hypothesis:
Mental Health First Aid training will:
- Improved knowledge regarding MHFA.
- Decrease stigma of mental health problems on our campus.
- Lead to earlier intervention for mental health problems on our college campus.
Research Questions:
Does MHFA training improve the knowledge regarding mental health illnesses, know the appropriate ways to support someone with a mental health issue or who may be in crisis, connect to care someone with a mental health issue, and decrease mental health stigma on our campus?
Results:
- Mental Health First Aid training sessions are now offered routinely on campus (monthly) and are at capacity (25-30 participants).
- Preliminary results from this research study are positive that MHFA Knowledge, Use and Skills have improved post MHFA training (ongoing survey data is being collected).
- MHFA participants revealed that they are more confident in intervening for students/peers with an emerging mental health problem. Study participants stated that they have use MHFA techniques to assist others on campus.
- A new clinic, specializing in counseling and supportive modalities, has been opened on campus to meet the needs of students with a mental health illness or crisis.
- The university has adopted "Take a Mental Health Day" and "Check in From the Head Up" to support mental health initiatives on campus.
Conclusion:
Mental Health First Aid training and research has made a positive impact on our campus community to improve the health and well-being of our students. By discussing mental health illness, our goal "to reduce mental health stigma", will be achieved.